Life as female leader in warehouse operations at Maersk

My name is Vicki, and I’m the Head of Office Operations at Maersk in North America. I am fortunate to be part of a company that values diversity, inclusion, and the growth of its employees.

From data entry to leader

I began my career in logistics in data entry 26 years ago, and over the years, I worked my way up through various roles. I moved from account manager to building manager, eventually becoming a senior director of operations, overseeing multiple facilities.

Each new role was a learning experience that helped me grow, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. Now, as Head of Office Operations, I’ve found a role that combines my love for operations with my passion for mentoring and teaching.

Success to me is helping others succeed

In my current role as part of the Operations Development team, my team and I focus on training and developing operation leaders at new facilities, ensuring a smooth startup for these sites by providing much more than the typical two-week support phase. We stay on site, working closely with the teams until they are fully capable of running operations on their own.

What makes my job so fulfilling is that I was once in operations myself, so I know the day-to-day challenges that come with running a facility. I bring that knowledge into my role now, allowing me to connect with teams on a deeper level, help them overcome hurdles, and ensure they feel confident in their roles.

For me, success isn’t just about my own achievements — it’s about helping others succeed as well. When I see someone who I’ve mentored being promoted or confidently leading their own team, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do.

A culture of support and inclusion

One thing I’ve always valued at Maersk is the supportive and inclusive culture. Whether I’m walking into a new facility or working with a team I’ve known for years, I’m always greeted with warmth and appreciation. People go out of their way to say hello, and there’s a strong sense of camaraderie that makes you feel like part of a family.

I see Maersk encourage employee engagement and belonging through events like safety lunches and employee gatherings. These events also highlight how diverse and inclusive the company is. I’m proud to be part of groups at Maersk such as the Power Women Network and the Diverse Abilities Employee Resource Network, which are just a few of the initiatives that make Maersk a welcoming place for everyone, no matter their gender or background.

Support for leaders at Maersk

I’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of women in leadership roles since I started in the industry. I remember a time when walking into a room full of men felt intimidating. Today, that gap is closing, and I feel much more empowered, thanks to Maersk’s commitment to creating an environment of equality and the support the company provides me as a employee. Maersk has made it clear that gender should never be a barrier to leadership, and that’s something I deeply appreciate.

As a female leader, I’ve always felt that Maersk has supported me and has invested in my growth. Whenever I’ve needed resources or guidance, there’s been someone willing to help. The leaders here are dedicated to ensuring that you have everything you need to succeed - whether it’s extra training, mentorship, or just pointing you in the direction of someone who can help. If you’re willing to put in the effort and let your leaders know what you need, they will provide the support to help you grow.

Balancing work and life

Maersk understands the importance of and values work-life balance. There’s a strong recognition here that quality of life is essential to being successful in your role, and Maersk have been incredibly accommodating when it comes to my personal commitments. Because of this, I’ve been able to maintain a healthy balance between work and home life. As long as the work gets done and responsibilities are handed off properly, there’s possibility of flexibility in how we approach our schedules.

Maersk is a place where you can thrive

I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m grateful to Maersk for the support and opportunities they’ve provided. As a female leader in warehouse operations, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of having a company that believes in you, and I encourage other women to pursue leadership roles in this industry. If you’re willing to work hard and seize the opportunities, Maersk is a place where you can thrive.